By the absence of LCP, probably the most popular 8bit related demoscene event in Sweden, a few members of Up Rough Soundsystem, Genesis Project, Divine Stylers & SceneSat Radio took the responsibility of arranging an alternative party. And by tradition of LCP, some quality productions were being released.

The Scandinavian groups well represented in productions, yet lacking some usual suspects like Hollowman, Booze Design and Triad. The demo results of this year are mostly focused on design and technical achievement. Next to these quality productions there is a small tradition in experiments. Perhaps not coincidentally this is done by some true demoscene veterans, perhaps having played the usual demoscene game – which is about competition for many, instead doing things they like best.

One of the finest examples would this. Which is what the name really says, a MP3 on a Commodore 64. Which is useless and insane – yet somewhat possible! It features the a capella version of Suzanne Vega’s ‘Tom’s diner’. (update: it seems this is technically not a MP3.)

Fairlight suprises with a charming demo by a different team they usually serve. Great colour combinations and graphics – strong debut by Louie 500, a legendary pixel artist coming from the Amiga demoscene. Programming by Abaddon and Pantaloon, music by Zabutom (Dubmood cover) and bugfixing by Bacchus. The demo has a reference to the PC demo Only one wish by Fairlight and TBL, as some of the producers were responsible for that demo too. The team has more plans for the C64, and seeing the art direction of Louie 500 and this demo – this is great news.

The relatively young team of Panda Design keeps growing and this production shows careful design by minimalism. Their line of demos is showing a solid signature in style. Music and programming by Radiantx and graphics by Frost.